New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-03-27
LlDY ON COUCITCHER.

I1Ty VIriou1Ia ~ Ntrrny's NagIzile
II il nu a, ful thing to dor ] hear voice say, a.
the Httlc gruun lean forward aud Tor moment
icci thrill that j. very like fear; but 1t IL gone nj
once ana can think OF nothing but the novelty the
excitement. and the fun OF this mad ride III glorious
.unsiine and intoxicating air. with magnificent
mountains before aud around me. their lofty peaks
smiling down on NJ, aud never "a row ON their grand
faces.
The pace quickens gradually surely, swiftly. and
then We are rushing up 10 the summit We soon
stand the Great divide '-5,3oO feet above sea-
leyel-bctwecn the two great oceans. rs We pass
Mr. E by a gesture. points out small river
lcalled Bath CrccK. | thuk) which. issuing from "a
lake on the narrow summit level, winds near the
track. look. and 10. the water, howng eastward
townfls the Atlantic side. turns IN moment n the
Divide IL passed, and ponrs estNard down the
Pacific slope ,
Many tunnels lie in our way rush by Them
and during "a halt / told one OF the tunnels Is
wet" This being interpreted. means that the aich-
inc rock /, full springs which pour the train rs
it ,asscs An umbrella and waterproof are therefore
necessary for mc-now sole occupant OF the COW,
catcher; and with pIaseworthy economy take on
my hat. tuck il safely under my wraps ana prepare
to ehcoulter the wet " tunnel thus equipped We
pluuge into "A few moments darkness water splash
ing and dripping every side, and as We emerge
into sunlight Ngain and stop just beyond the tunnel
| see "A party OF ycung English spOrtsmcn standing
near the roadside. They have evidently just climbed
the bank guns III hand leaving large canoe WIN
two Indian paddcrs on the lake below. Fine, tail,
Young SaXons they arc IN sporting AZURE somewhat
the Tor long travel, hut very conventional III
style notwithstanding. just imagine the feelings
with which these welicgulated young men Dehcld a
lady, barchcadUd aud with umbrella. seated III
front OF an engine Mt the mouth OF a tunnel In the
Gold Ran &c OF British Columbia am sOrey AFRAID
| laughed outright NJ the blank amalemcnt oi Their
rosy faces and ongcd TO tell them what fun 1t was
but not being introduced you know" / c,ntebtcd
myself with acknowledging their presence by u
solemn little bOw-Whch was quite Irresistible under
the circumstances
A somewhat similar incident occurred next day
during journey in the valley OF the Fraser River
The Special stopped at station where mule tram
was just starting Tor some distant gold mines, laden
with miners supplies. 1t very interesting to see
She sturdy animals all packed and ready, standing III
regular order, waiting Tor the word OF command
from, their driver, which instantly obcJ ed, all
FLING along at equal distances with the air Ot quad
rnpcds OF superior intelligence who had made up
their minds to avoid hurry or confusion. IL CHANGED
TO bs one balts mt teat mo, and, as usual, my
cup of tea and slice o. bread butter brought
two large bouquets which lay in my lap. While
l,isurely sippcd my tea. there suddenly appeared
before u very tim. tall mclanct oily looking Amer
lean having something to do with the pack train
slowly winding oil through tho mountains Never
shall forget the expression OF that mans face ~ he
steadily regarded me- seated composedly on the co "
catcher surrounded with flowers, plate OF bread
and butter a candle box near by, taking aItern,
tea 10 remain silent was impossible
Good evening" said.
The rnau nodded and drew "A long breath.
Have YOU come ~ he asked after II long pause.
From tho other side OF the Rockies" | answered
carelessy II speaking OF n stroll round village
4" three hundred miles OF 90
| Did you come th,t way down the Thompson = he
| next asked "A little nyiously.
40 yes-and an going to the sea-"
You amt traid likelyi' he continued, looking
more melancholy than ever.
"Not at All.
word it's real dangerous | would not do this
thing Tor lot OF money! Then, thrust ing his hands
into his pockets with civil, Good evening, Mssis
| he disappeared round tho engine.